Air Show at Seafair This Weekend Aug. 1st – 3rd

Blue Angels

If you’re not familiar with Seafair, well then, you must be new in town. This weekend is one of Seattle’s largest events of the year. One of the most spectacular events is the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Air Show. You’ll hear them, see them, and feel them roar through the sky on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For those of you who are really into the Blue Angles, you can see them arrive at the Flight of Museum today.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

BUY TICKETS

Another popular event during Seafair weekend is the Chevrolet Cup Hydroplane races. Super tricked out boats racing in circles with the common anticipation of seeing a crash–much like the feeling of waiting for a fight in a hockey game.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

BUY TICKETS

Seafair Boat Party

In addition to several other events, one of my favorite parts of Seafair is seeing all the Microsoftees on their fancy boats. They’re everywhere! It’s like tailgating for the rich. It’s a sight that will make you jealous and sick, or have you racing to make a new friend who has a boat. If you have a boat, be sure to check out this year’s new regulations.

Regardless of your plans, be sure to expect major traffic delays on I-5, I-405, both Lake Washington bridges, and all main arterials in King County.

Seattle Transportation Alternatives Making Headway

Personally, I’m excited to be someone who is making sacrifices to use other means of transportation to conserve energy. I’m not really someone to go all the way when it comes to recycling, but it’s embarrasing to be an American under the leadership of George Bush who has swayed the focus of the war. At the same time, I’m proud to be a Seattleite under the leadership of Mayor Greg Nickels who has campaigned for a Car Free Days event which will open streets to pedestrians and cyclists.

GET INVOLVED

For those of you who are concerned about our transportation and considering moving to the downtown area, South Lake Union is making a difference with their new Propel Biofuel gas station. One local Realtor also blogged about a new Woonerf by NBBJ Architects which will promote more foot traffic.

Those who still seem to have an excuse also seem to be causing problems for those of us making the change. Today, the Seattle Times reported that the city is considering a fine for those who are moving people’s scooters to make room for thier vehicle.

It’s an odd phenomenon, brought on by the rising popularity of scooters and the dwindling availability of parking spaces in Seattle. Moving a little 150-pound scooter just a few feet over to make room in a prime parking spot has proved too tempting for some desperate motorists, leaving scooters vulnerable to damage and undeserved tickets.

If I caught anyone moving my motorcycle, they’d be getting a lot more than a ticket!

Additionally, another article by the P.I. reported a few days ago states that an approximate amount of 300 new bike racks will be added per year which would double the current amount by 2017. The article ends with an interviewee saying he’s lost 2 bikes from thieves unbolting the sides of the bike racks. Hopefully the city will consider a new rack to avoid this from happening. I’ve actually had a bike stolen while paying a parking ticket at the courthouse on 5th Avenue downtown.

On the other hand, I can somewhat sympathize for those who don’t have a long board, bicycle, motorcycle, Segway Transporter, etc. and their only transportation is Joe Metro. Metro can’t seem to catch up to the increased number of riders by having to leave several waiting, but I was just asked by a homeless person to use my cell phone on the bus the other day. When I refused, I was cursed at.

I sold my Lincoln and started making the effort of using public transportation, riding my long board, and driving my motorcycle this year. Since then, I’ve noticed much more concern for our means of transportation. I’ve done so based on reasons for the war, and because I’m a downtown area Realtor. I’m not sure what the majority reason is, but I just hope it lasts throughout the other 9 months of the year when it rains.

Capitol Hill Block Party 2008

If you didn’t get a chance to go, this is an outdoor concert with plenty of strange folk on the hill dancing in the streets. My girlfriend won a vibrating egg from Babeland who had a Star Wars c**k ring toss. Jones Soda handed out free cans of pop which made an excellent mixer for the flask of tequila in my back pocket. Thankfully the obnoxious punk music took stage along a side street.

Anyhow, I had a friend in town over the weekend to go see Chromeo. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to attend the entire event, but I have to say the event was overall pretty fun. Chromeo rocked! I overheard a lot of people talking about Girl Talk, but missed the performance.

Second to getting a finger point from Dave 1, and a head nod from P-Thugg for dancing in the street with my 45″ Fancy Footwork sleeve, one of my favorite parts of the weekend was how Neumos continues to prove to be the worst bar in Seattle with retarded bouncers who threw a fit when Dave 1 tried taking the stage.

Dave 1 tried to take the stage and a Neumos bouncer grabbed him and stopped him from climbing the steps. The bouncer, who had no idea who he was accosting, yelled at Dave angrily. Those standing close to the situation (including myself) tried to intervene but were unsuccessful. Dave was obviously upset when he explained to P-Thugg what had just happened to him.

If you missed it, be sure to go next year. But, steer clear of Neumos. Here’s plenty of reviews about other people’s negative experience at Neumos.